Symphonic music is not inherently funny, so the way to make instrumental
music comical is to do something far beyond the norm. The result is always
burlesque, which is not exactly gut-busting humor, and it typically degrades
the 'serious' aspects of composition. "La Nina de tus Ojos" is a score
that balances parody and drama in such a way as to make use of both ideals.
True, there is nothing outrageously droll about the filmusic, but there is
wit. The film itself is a dramatic comedy set in 1938 Berlin, with a Spanish
film crew shooting an Andalusian musical titled "La Nina de tus Ojos"
("The Girl of Your Dreams.")

The music perfectly captures this setting. There are some clichés,
including Hollywood-style outbursts that seem pilfered straight from John
Williams' "1941" score, but these do not hamper the musical juggling
act Duhamel creates. Two entertaining songs by Perello & Mostazo, 'Los
Piconeros' and 'La Bien Paga,' liven things further.

The album begins with a rather pointless suite, 'Polaroids' From Film.
The suite contains four movements, 'Los Piconeros' acting as bookends
(the first sung in Spanish, then last in German) and the center two movements
are the title track and the finale. It is an interesting idea, but one executed
without structure, or melodic support. It serves no purpose when compared
to the music in the film chronology. The soundtrack proper embodies variety
and skill.

The production is agreeable. Biographies, plot synopsis, extensive credits,
movie stills, and captions lay out in an attractive manner. The booklet is
in Italian, English, French, and Spanish. The presentation is in Dolby Surround
and sounds fine. The City of Prague Philharmonic deserves extra praise for
an orchestral performance filled with a delightful abundance of grace and
satire. It is an ensemble that captures the spirit of filmusic more than
many better-known orchestras.